It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The long-awaited countdown to winter break is upon us.
Every student knows the stress that comes during the few weeks between fall and winter break. This short time is filled with assignments, tests, projects, and more in an attempt by teachers to cram as much as they can before all the students forget about it over the long break.
To mark the end of this time and to celebrate the break, Stroudsburg is holding the 16th annual Holiday Show. Shari Griswold is going to be organizing the show once again. She also had help from Sarah Cepin, who makes all the music tracks and videos.
While the Holiday Show is a staple tradition for the students, it once was an after-school event. Originally, the show was primarily intended to showcase the hidden talents of the high school staff. Each year, Mrs. Edwards would amaze the crowd with her singing voice, but she was missed this year, as she retired at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.
This tradition has changed over the years. Instead of choosing only the talented staff members, it has adapted to the times and showcases the “fun” side of a lot of teachers.
Anthony Lanfrank debuted as the host last year, replacing long-time MC, Shawn Thornton. His “dad jokes” and puns garnered some giggles between acts. This year, he returned to the stage fully armed with a new book of dad jokes gifted to him by Mason Gearhart, ‘25.
Adolfo Rodriguez returned to the stage accompanied by Julia Sobrinkski, ’26, Clair O’Donnell, ’25, and Skip Cassidy with their rendition of “Feliz Navidad.”
Of course, the dancers always wow the crowd. The stunts are always amazing, and this year the dance was humorous as well as impressive. The dancers that performed this year were Sarah Arnold, Nancy Sarti, Suzanne Di Tore, Allison Yonki, Michelle McHale, Kym Brown, Melissa Koehler, Hilary Hakim, Jocelyn Ross, Katrina Bullock, Cepin, Ashley Krause, CJ Hicks, Jen Giordano, Stephanie Foundakos, Emily Vail, Amanda Nicholson and, of course, Butch Perry! No one will forget him doing a toe-touch jump dressed as Santa.
The teacher’s impressions of the students’ TikTok dances were a crowd-pleaser. The students were laughing and seemed entertained the whole time. The TikTok dancers included Nyana Barro, Melissa Haubrich, Emily Vail, Natalie Jennings, Christine Luksic, Jake Cirillo, and Nick Kontos.
The Bell Choir performance was an amazing opening performed by Laura Donovan, Jennifer Giordano, Adam Carter, Kevin Nicoles, Anna Goring, Janice Lee, Skip Cassady, Steven Rivera, Ava Ahmetaj, and Marion Logan.
As always, Christine Gangaware amazed everyone with her singing voice while singing “Let It Go.” She was accompanied by Theresa Onody, Skip Cassady, Janice Lee, Wendy Wilson, and Adam Benjamin.
Griswold commented, “This is definitely one of my favorite Stroudsburg traditions, besides moving up day.”
During the first show of two, Principal Sodl took the stage to announce an early dismissal for the day, garnering the largest applause of all the acts.
He also interrupted the second show for a special recognition of upcoming retirees who will be leaving over the break or at the end of the semester. Barb Forth will be leaving over the break, while Tom Burke and Matthew Sobrinski will have their last days on January 17.
Happy Holidays from the Mountaineer Staff!
